In 2003, Stephanie Bonham Carter (Ecuadorian-British) and Michael Mesdag (Dutch-Spanish) embarked on a journey across the Four Worlds of Ecuador. Upon arriving in the Galapagos Islands, they encountered an opportunity that would not only change their lives, but also the way travelers experience the Galapagos Islands.
While exploring the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, they stumbled upon a farm bordering the Galapagos National Park that was up for sale. After climbing a tree to get a better look at the lay of the land, they were captivated by the incredible views. The magic of the moment was undeniable; intoxicating and overwhelming in its uniqueness. It was a Galapagos experience that defied description. From that moment on, their hearts were captured and they began to dream…
In the early 2000s, options for luxury land-based tours in the Galapagos were notably limited. If you sought comfort, a cruise was your only option. Even then, the cruise experience paled in comparison to the more personalized and immersive experiences available in other wildlife destinations and national parks around the world.
They didn’t come from hospitality, and they weren’t looking to build a hotel. What they envisioned was something more personal, organic, and deeply rooted in place. They had both been on safaris in Africa and were drawn to the untamed wilderness, the sense of adventure, and the deep connection to nature that sleeping under canvas brings.
They purchased the land and embarked on a journey to make their dream a reality: a sanctuary for likeminded travelers—nature lovers who value comfort without excess.
Galapagos Safari Camp became the first tented camp in Latin America.
Living in what is now the Family Suite, they raised their two children on the farm while creating the Camp and managing the business. It became a way of life—one that connected them to the land, and one that would ultimately define Galapagos Safari Camp’s pillars of Appropriate Luxury: Connection, Authenticity and Hospitality.
Galapagos Safari Camp marked a significant shift in the Galapagos tourism landscape, offering an alternative approach to experiencing the Galapagos Islands. Michael and Stephanie introduced flexible, personalized Safaris, combining land-based activities not always possible on a cruise, with day trips by boat to uninhabited islands.
With a strong emphasis on Appropriate Luxury and Sustainable Hospitality, their Safaris offer a more immersive experience, and a greater sense of place.
By creating the right conditions, their ongoing mission is to craft experiences that allow guests to truly connect with the Galapagos, and to fall under their spell, as they did then, and still do today.
Now that Michael and Stephanie’s children are older, and with their own evolving needs, the family is no longer based at Camp. However, the founders remain very hands-on, continuing to oversee every aspect of the business. They are also very proud of their team, who are frequently praised in guest reviews and press articles.
Giant tortoises have evolved over centuries to adapt to their surroundings. Similarly, Galapagos Safari Camp has slowly adapted over the years to an ever-evolving travel industry. As a small business, we are mindful of every step we take, ensuring we never lose sight of our core values, vision and goals.
Some projects Stephanie and Michael are particularly proud of include:
As a registered tour operator in Ecuador, we also offer Safari extension tours across the mainland and can take care of all our guests’ accommodation and transport needs when transiting through Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands.
Stephanie and Michael are now offering annual Founder-led Safaris in November, inviting guests to join them on a small group safari.
As Michael and Stephanie climbed down from the tree that day, and began to realize their dream— and just as you will discover as you explore with us — the Galapagos Islands challenge us all on many levels. They are powerful in their raw, volcanic beauty. Their legacy holds lessons for us all. The fearlessness of their creatures is unlike anything you will have encountered.
Challenges await, as do adventures, with stories to capture and cherish, share, and inspire.
